Space Force’s top brass has revealed the department’s intention of tweaking the Air Force blues uniform before unveiling its own official service outfit.
Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force Roger A. Towberman said that changes will be made to buttons, name tags, and insignia to distinguish members of the newest service, Guardians, from those of the Air Force to “space things up” without having to introduce a completely new service uniform at once. He said, “For now the chassis will remain the same.”
The changes will eventually get translated to Space Force’s final new uniform as the service continues to forge its identity, two years after the service was inducted into the Pentagon to protect the military’s satellite interests.
Officials revealed a uniform prototype in September 2021 which reminded observers of costumes in science fiction shows like Star Trek. The uniform was then redesigned based on feedback and has been garnering positive reviews from wear-testers since, said Towberman. However, an acute shortage in textiles could delay the availability of new uniforms for purchase.
Last year too fabric shortage compelled Air Force & Space Force to reduce the number of uniform items given to new recruits.
While supply chain issues have been thwarting all efforts to give the service a distinctive new look, some members of the fledgling new force have even struggled to convince people that Guardian actually exists.
Responding to a recent article recounting instances of Guardian facing public disbelief and confusion, Towberman called upon the members to “do better at telling the Space Force story.”
“I ask every one of you to get out of your echo chambers and do what you can to share what we’re doing,” he said. “What you do matters to the world, to the nation.”
One service member’s decision to speak to the media anonymously in fear of retaliation promoted conversations among the senior leaders, Towberman said. He went on to remind them that the service’s ideals include courage.
“We all have to embrace this concept of candor and honesty, and the courage it takes to have real conversations and build on our teams, and build the psychological safety to make that happen,” he said.
